Canton Economic Development Officials Survey Residents

Canton residents said in a survey they do not support heavy industry in town

CANTON — A survey of residents about economic development show that they favor light industry rather than heavy manufacturing and big-box retail stores.

That survey was conducted last fall by the economic development agency. Robert Bessel, its chairman, said that 500 copies of the survey were distributed to residents at town hall on Election Day and that 136 were completed and returned.

"We're happy with the response rate," Bessel said. "To me, it shows that people are thinking about economic development. People put time into the survey and some of their comments were insightful."

Bessel said 81 percent of the respondents said they would prefer to see light industry as new development in town. Last year, overwhelming opposition to a proposal for a small industrial park on Route 44 helped sink the idea. But Bessel said he thinks factors such as proximity to the Farmington River and the planned leveling of a small hill were what motivated opposition to that plan rather than concern about industry.

People who took the survey were asked about what sort of small industry they would like to see. Examples given included computer repair shops and bakeries. Micro-breweries were also mentioned. The Tidal River Brewing Co., recently received approval from the town and is expecting to open this year.

Results of the survey also showed little support for manufacturing. Twenty people also asked that the town avoid having big-box retail stores, Bessel said.

Individual comments included on some of the responses said there should be more support for home-based businesses and more professional office space.

"Sixty-six percent of the respondents said they want to be able to work here in town, and that has touched our thinking," Bessel said. He said that response matches trends he has seen in other communities.

According to the survery results, people also expressed interest in having more convenience shopping near the town's Collinsville section. An underdeveloped industrial park is on Commerce Drive and respondents said it should be used more.

In the past year, the economic development agency has done other things to engage with residents, including a blog on the town's website, http://cantoneconomicdevelopment.com.